Canada vs Slovakia World League qualifier: pre-series comments

OTTAWA – Head coaches Glenn Hoag for Team Canada and Emanuele Zanini for Slovakia are expecting tough matches tonight and Saturday as the two countries square in round of the 2012 World League qualifying.

Both matches start at 7:30 p.m. at Scotiabank Place.

‘’The competition is important for both teams,’’ said Hoag. ‘’Playing in the World League shows that you have taken another major step. The key for us is not losing our focus because we haven’t played much this year while the Slovaks have just won their Continental qualifier. This is the beginning of a long process.’’

Canada is ranked 22nd in the world and Slovakia 33rd.

‘’We know that Canada is an excellent team, but we are ready to fight,’’ said Zanini. ‘’ We are not here with the full team as we had some injuries but it happens in this sport. We are looking forward to this match. We know this will be difficult as Canada is an experienced team. ‘’